When do you get an official diagnosis?

[Adiasmom]

Hello everyone. I'm an (almost) 30 year old female that has been having issues over the past 18 months. The issues began with clotting, then my periods became longer. I was initially concerned about some nabuthian cysts and went to the doctor fearing a problem with my cervix. The pap came back normal, but the gyn felt what he thought were fibroids and mentioned that I probably had a cyst causing my heavier cramping. He recommended an ultrasound. Well, I was relieved about the nabothian cysts being nothing, so I didn't go for the ultrasound until 5 months later. During those 5 months my periods became heavier, longer, and with more clotting. On more than one occasion I would bleed between periods. So I scheduled the ultrasound in September and they did the ca-125 bloodwork which came back "within normal perameters". They noted that I did have cysts with odd bloodflow, but nothing to worry about. Due to my medical history (a blood clot) it was not recommended that I take birth control pills. The gyn recommended I come back for a second ultrasound after two months. So I went back on Monday for the second ultrasound and had a conference with my doctor on Tuesday. He wanted me to schedule surgery for a hysteroscopy, endoscopy, and D&C. He also did an internal exam when I mentioned that my cervix shape had changed. I have many other symptoms including constipation, bloating, loss of appetite (I've lost 25 pounds without dieting), bleeding between periods, pain during intercourse, and an overall "heaviness" in my uterus. (Similar to being pregnant and feeling the baby push down on the cervix when sitting.) The ultrasound showed that the cyst had grown and was "oddly shaped" with a solid interior wall. The blood results came back today "highly elevated" on the Ca-125 and my gyn referred me to an oncologist, wanting them to take over my treatment and to cancel my scheduled surgery. The office is supposed to call me on Monday to set up my appointment, but I'm at the point where people are asking me, is it cancer? Is it the diagnosis? My gut tells me yes, that it is, but my mind says to wait on the biopsy. I commend you if you've read this far, and I greatly appreciate it.

So what say you, community of women I look forward to getting to know? Any advice or tips? What are the chances of me NOT having cancer or of being able to retain my fertility? I have two daughters, but in my heart was not ready to give up on a 3rd child. What should I mentally prepare myself for at this time?

[Adiasmom]

My appointment with the oncologist is tomorrow afternoon.  When I spoke with my regular gyn this morning I found out the levels of my two Ca-125 tests.  On September 30th, it was a 29.  As of November 18th, they were a 477.  

I'm looking forward to the appointment tomorrow to get some clarification.  I don't know what to think.

[dian07]

Hey there, kid.  I can certainly understand your anxieties right now.  You are on the right path.....YOU HAVE ONE CHANCE TO GET THIS RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.....it is imperative you see a gyn/oncologist and have that person perform your surgery.  I think your doctor is looking out for your best interests by cancelling his proposed surgery and sending you to an oncologist.  
Whether or not you will be able to maintain your fertility will depend on what is found during the surgery.  Just make certain you discuss all this with your gyn/onc prior to surgery.  
Most tumors, cysts, etc are not cancer......the CA125 can elevate due to infection in your body......at least 98% of all cysts are NOT cancer.  But, if it is cancer, the sooner you know the better so you can develope a plan of action.  
During your surgery your surgeon will biopsy lymph nodes, the diaphram, the ovaries, uterus, omentum, and more....he will send samples to pathology and they will determine if there are malignancies......then the surgeon will decide how to proceed.  The final pathology will come back in a few days.  When I woke up after surgery my husband and sons were already told I had cancer.   A few days later I got a call from my gyn/oncologist with the staging results and was told I needed chemo.
It is scary , but you don't know yet.  Hang in there.....Monday is just a few hours away....you will know more after talking with your gyn/oncologist.  
Surgery is never fun, but, I hate hospitals so, I was walking the halls the night of my surgery and went home the next day.  I was 55 and the surgery was very well tolerated by me.....however, I didn't have small children at home, and that makes it hard to not push yourself.  
The not knowing is so hard and scary.....it is easy to scare yourself to death....try not to do that!
Please do keep us posted.
Peace.
dian

[junamgen]

Sorry to hear the news. Just want u to know i have been there 2 yrs ago.  I would suggest to have more test done before surgery, such as MRI, CT or PET-CT done which can prepare better for surgen what they are going to face in the surgery. I assume that you are going to see a gyn-oncologist next monday whuch is a very smart move since they are the specilist in the area.  I also want you to know in most case the final dx of OVCA is done after biopsy. Please don't jump to the conclusion without hard evidence.
I was keep telling myself to hope for the best and prepare for the worst in Nov 2006, try to get know that kind surgery they are going to do as detail as i could, talk to the friends with a strong positive attitude  to have myself mentally prepared, and here i am, doing pretty well.  You are young the chance you have cancer is very very low.  Keep youself busy and try to enjoy the weekends.  Please let us know how is everything turn out.

Peace and Love
jun